News about agriculture in New York State and information farmers and consumers can use in their daily lives.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Deadline July 1 to Apply for Agricultural Discount Programs from Energy Companies

Here is some information about the New York Power Authority Residential Agricultural Discount Programs.

Thanks to Jay Matteson of Jefferson County Agricultural Economic Development for passing this along.

Recently, Jefferson County Economic Development sent out a reminder for
farms to re-apply for the New York Power Authority Residential
Agricultural Discount Program.Several farms contact our office
inquiring about the program so we contacted National Grid for
assistance. Below is information about the program. Even if you had
not applied previously, you may still apply. The deadline is July 1,
2016. --- Jay Matteson

Are You a National Grid, NYSEG or RG&E
agricultural customer?If you are, you may be eligible to receive a
monthly discount on your electricity delivery bill beginning Sept.
1, 2014. This discount is possible thanks to funding from the New York
Power Authority’s (NYPA) ReCharge NY program for National Grid’s,
NYSEG’s and RG&E’s Residential Agricultural Discount programs.

Do I qualify for the discount? You’re eligible to receive the discount
if you meet the two conditions noted below: 1. You have an active
residential electric service account with National Grid, NYSEG or
RG&E billed under the following service classifications: – National
Grid: Rates beginning with Electric SC1 or Electric SC1C; refer to page 2
of your bill. – NYSEG: 12001, 12008, or 12012 noted after Electricity
Rate on page 3 of your bill. – RG&E: PSC 19 SC1 or SC 4 noted
after Electricity Service on page 3 of your bill.2. You have
submitted IRS Schedule F (Form 1040) - Profit or Loss From Farming
(supporting documentation) with your most recently filed federal tax
return.

How do I apply?By completing a Residential Agricultural
Discount application and submitting it to your utility company along
with your supporting documentation.

Where can I obtain an
application and how do I submit it? Applications are available on your
utility’s website – refer to contact information below. You can submit
your completed application and supporting documentation by email, fax or
mail – details are available on the websites. https://www1.nationalgridus.com/files/AddedPDF/…/RAD_App.pdf
complete the application and mail it to Niagara Mohawk d/b/a National
Grid, 300 Erie Blvd. W., Syracuse, 13202. If anyone has any
questions, they should contact Jason Eno at (315) 428-6533.

How
much is the discount, how is it calculated and how is it reflected on my
bill?The discount amount will be calculated each month and will vary
based on how many people participate, the amount of electricity used by
each participant and available funds from NYPA. The discount amount is
then multiplied by your monthly billed kilowatt-hours and your discount
will appear as a credit in a separate line item, “Res agricultural
discount,” on your utility bill.

When does the discount begin? The 2014-2015 discount begins with meter readings on or after Sept.
1, 2014. However, it’s important to submit your application by July 1,
2014 to start receiving the discount in September 2014.

Can I
apply after the July 1, 2014 deadline?Yes. Applications will be
accepted after July 1, 2014; however, such applications may not be
processed until after the Sept. 1, 2014 start date. Please allow up
to three months for processing. The discount is not retroactive.

How long will the discount be available?The program will be
administered on an annual basis, Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, with the
monthly discount provided until funding is no longer available through
NYPA. It’s necessary to reapply by July 1 each year to determine
continued eligibility.